Reinforced nestable container

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to a reinforced nestable container and a method of forming a reinforced nestable container able to withstand a high pressure processing. The container has an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defines an interior. The closed end has a cone bottom including a first step that steps towards the closed end and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a generally flat portion that extends towards the center of the closed end; a second step that steps towards the open end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to containers. More particularly, embodiments relate to a reinforced nestable container that can withstand a high pressure processing process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nestable containers for storing contents are known in the prior art. Generally, such prior art containers are identical to one another to allow them to be nested together. Nesting the containers in such a manner reduces the amount of storage space required to hold the containers when they are not in use. However, the features in the prior art designs that allow the containers to be nested also create problems with the containers. For instance, they often reduce the structural integrity of the container and/or make them more difficult to handle. Additionally, the identical designs of such containers limit them to containers of the same holding capacity.

The present invention advances the art providing a container that is nestable, easy to handle has structural integrity and able to be used in high pressure processes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention provides a reinforced nestable container and a method of making a reinforced nestable container uses in a High Pressure Processing (HPP) process.

Embodiments relate to a reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing. The container has an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defines an interior. The closed end has a cone bottom including a first step that steps towards the closed end and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a generally flat portion that extends towards the center of the closed end; a second step that steps towards the open end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.

Other embodiments relate to a reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing, the container including an open end; a closed end having a cone bottom; and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end defining an interior. The cone bottom includes a first step that steps downward towards the closed end down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; a second step that steps upward towards the opened end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.

Yet other embodiments relate to a method of packing contents in a container, the method including forming a reinforced nestable container of a thermoformed material, the container including an open end; a closed end; and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defining an interior. The closed end has a cone bottom, the cone bottom includes a first step that steps down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; a second step that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein. The method includes inserting contents into the interior of the reinforced nestable container; sealing the container; and subjecting the sealed container to a high pressure processing process, producing a sealed container having contents that are safer, last longer and taste better.

Still other embodiments relate to a method of forming a reinforced nestable container, able to withstand a high pressure processing, the method including forming an open end; forming a closed end; and forming a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end, the closed end having a cone bottom. The method further includes he cone bottom includes forming a first step that steps down and includes at least one strengthening fillet; forming a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; forming a second step that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, forming an s-curve; and forming a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention can be defined by the appended the claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top view of the container in in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is partially exploded side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is rear view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is another side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is bottom view of the dispenser of FIG. 1

Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-8 depict a reinforced nestable container, generally designated 10, formed of a thermoformed material for example and able to withstand a High Pressure Processing (HPP) process (up to 87,000 psi for example) during filing of the container 10 for example. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, container 10 has a circumferential rim 12 defining an open end 14 and a closed end/base 16 having a cone bottom opposite open end 14. Sidewall 18 extends between open end 14 and closed end 16 and defines an interior 20 (best seen in FIGS. 2-3). Container 10 further includes a de-nesting ridge 22 (best seen in FIG. 3-8) having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of rim 12 thereby enabling a number of similar containers 10 to be nested or stacked together without becoming wedged or stuck together, i.e., enabling such stacked containers to be easily denested.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, container 10 includes a first step 24 that steps in a first direction (downward towards the closed end 16 for example) and forms a flexible point/edge 26 creating a flex or hinge point such that the closed end/base 16 can be pulled on and return to its original position and shape without damaging the container 10. Closed end/base 16 further includes a flat portion 28 that extends towards the center of the cone bottom.

Container 10 further includes a second step 30 that steps in a second direction opposite of the first direction (upward towards the opened end 14 for example) and in to an inner-profile having a first radius 32 in one direction and a second radius 34 in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve 36 (best viewed in FIG. 3). In at least one embodiment, the second step 30 includes at least one but generally two or more strengthening fillets 36 and a base plateau 40, whereby at least the s-curve 36, the flat portion 28 and the second step 30 spread tension such that the container 10 can withstand pressure therein. FIGS. 1-3 further illustrate a rounded portion 42 extending between the first step 24 and the generally flat portion 28.

In at least one embodiment, the reinforced nestable container 10 includes at least the first step 24, the strengthening fillet 28, the generally flat portion 28 and the second step 30 extending circumferentially about container 10 at the closed end 16. The base plateau 40 may have a radius less than the radius of the closed end 16.

It is contemplated that the base plateau 40 may have a radius less than the radius of the closed end 16. The cone bottom has a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall 18. The cone bottom may have a height of about ¾ the length of the sidewall 18. The rim 12 extends about the circumference of the open end 14 and is adapted to receive a lid (not shown).

In one embodiment, the first step 24 has a profile of about 0.015 inches to relieve tension on the base 16, and then steps down with a 0.019 inch fillet. The bottom 16 has a flat surface that extends about 0.25 inches towards the center of the closed end 16 before stepping up in the inner-profile with a 0.31 inch radius followed by a 0.13 inch radius in the opposite direction, creating the s-curve 36 that spreads even more of the tension created by the pressure inside the container 10. After the s-curve 36 steps up the base plateau approximately 0.9 inches to the center of the base 16.

Another embodiment relates to a method of packing contents in the container 10. The method comprises forming a reinforced nestable container 10 of a thermoformed material where the container 10 includes an open end 14; a closed end 16; and a sidewall 18 extending between the open end 14 and the closed end 16 and defining the interior 20, the closed end 16 having a cone bottom. The cone bottom includes a first step 24 that steps down and forms a flexible point such that the base 16 can flex and return to its original position and shape. A flat portion 28 extends towards the center of the cone bottom 16; a second step 30 that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming the s-curve 36; at least one strengthening fillet 38; and the base plateau 40, whereby at least the s-curve 36, the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein. The method further includes inserting contents into the interior of the reinforced nestable container 10; sealing the container 10; and subjecting the sealed container to a high pressure processing process, producing a sealed container having contents that are safer, last longer and taste better.

Other embodiments of the method relate to a rounded portion extending between the first step 24 and the generally flat portion 28. The method further includes at least the first step 24, the strengthening fillet 38, the generally flat portion 28 and the second step 30 extending circumferentially about the closed end 16. The method further includes the base plateau 40 having a radius less than the radius of the closed end 16, and the cone bottom having a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall 18. The container 10 further includes the cone bottom having a height of about ¼ the length of the sidewall 18.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of forming a reinforced nestable container 10, able to withstand a high pressure processing, the method including forming an open end 14; forming a closed end 16; and forming a sidewall 18 extending between the open end 14 and the closed end 16, where the closed end 16 has a cone bottom. The method includes forming a first step that steps down and includes at least one strengthening fillet; forming a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; forming a second step that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, forming an s-curve; and forming a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein. The dispenser may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing, the container having an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defining an interior, the closed end having a cone bottom comprising: a first step that steps towards the closed end and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a generally flat portion that extends towards the center of the closed end; a second step that steps towards the open end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.
 2. The reinforced nestable container of claim 1 further including a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion.
 3. The reinforced nestable container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end.
 4. The reinforced nestable container of claim 1 wherein the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end.
 5. A reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing, the container comprising: an open end; a closed end having a cone bottom; and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end defining an interior, the cone bottom comprising: a first step that steps downward towards the closed end down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; a second step that steps upward towards the opended end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.
 6. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 further including a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion.
 7. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 wherein at least the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end.
 8. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 wherein the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end,
 9. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 wherein the cone bottom has a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall.
 10. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 wherein the cone bottom has a height of about ¼ the length of the sidewall.
 11. The reinforced nestable container of claim 5 further including a rim extending about the circumference of the open end and adapted to receive a lid.
 12. The reinforced nestable container of claim 11 further including a de-nesting ridge extending about the circumference of the sidewall proximate the rim.
 13. A method of packing a contents in a container, the method comprising: forming a reinforced nestable container of a thermoformed material, the container comprising: an open end; a closed end; and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defining an interior, the closed end having a cone bottom, the cone bottom comprising: a first step that steps down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; a second step that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein; inserting a contents into the interior of the reinforced nestable container; sealing the container; and subjecting the sealed container to a high pressure processing process, producing a sealed container having contents that are safer, last longer and taste better.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes at least the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes the cone bottom having a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes the cone bottom having a height of about ¼ the length of the sidewall.
 19. The method of claim 13 wherein the container further includes a rim extending about the circumference of the open end and adapted to receive a lid, thereby sealing the container.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the container further includes a de-nesting ridge extending about the circumference of the sidewall proximate the rim. 